Comments on: “Any Physical Limitations After Open Heart Surgery?” Asks Aaron

By: Phil Ackerman

Phil Ackerman — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:48:56 +0000

I had mitrsl valve surgery almost 2 years ago. I felt good as could be expected following my surgery. My mitral valve was repaired and I also had one artery bypassed. Rcently I have felt extremely tired and my endurance has been getting worse. I have lost my appetite but try to get on withmy life as best I can. The last work up I had about 6 months ago was normal and the doctor was very encouraging. Could this be all in my head? I don’t want people to think I am a hypocondriac so I have kept these symtoms to myself. I have a treadmill in my basement and have been able to work out with out any side effects. Lately, however, I start to perspire during a workout much more than what I would consider normal and in fact will also perspire at the least amount of exertion. Could my mitral valve be malfunctioning again? I feel a tightness in my chest not like a heart attack but like there could be scar tissue wrapped around my heart. What are your thoughts.

By: will

will — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:38:49 +0000

ok i have been told during cardio rehab, i cant lift more than my own body weight, as it creats a lot of pressure on the aorta, in turn putting me at risk of postage stamp type ripping. also not to run and stuff, i asked my cardiologist about the issue and the only thing he said was domenic gives good advice..what gives i have run a few times not crazy running but 200yards anyway….i want to be able to lift moire than my own weight..i am 30 lbs heavier than before surgury so i am working on the 200lb mark i am 184 now. is there truth to this? i am now a week awys from initial diagnosis of the endocarditus, and itt will be a year since surgury at the end of august. thanks

By: Maryann

Maryann — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:53:09 +0000

I had mitral valve repair April 13, 2009. I STILL have shortness of breath, well I’m not really sure if that’s what it is – I have trouble sort of “catching my breath” or taking a deep breath(sometimes I have to bend over to take a quality breath). I don’t have any problems exercising and really never did. I had my first annual checkup last May – echocardiogram was fine, lungs are fine. I’m worried another valve has crapped out on me. Surely they would have noticed???? I guess my question is, could this be a lifelong thing that I will just have to get used to? Perhaps it’s menopause? Perhaps it’s anxiety? Am I more at risk for further valve disease since my mitral valve went bad on me? Sorry for so many questions, but thanks in advance.

By: Lloyd Michael

Lloyd Michael — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:39:21 +0000

Had my valve replaced on Oct. 19. I had known for 20 years that this was coming, but “balooning” of aorta artery made it come much quicker than expected. At age 62 I opted for a Bovine tissue valve.
Surgery and recovery have gone well. Am now in 3rd week of cardiac rehab. It is something that should be done as it allows you to know what exercise you should be doing and not do too much. Looking forward to spending time with grandson and back to playing golf as I feel I now have received a 2nd chance.
Lloyd Michael

By: raza

raza — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:45:37 +0000

I m 62 years of good physic,admitted in hospitol after check up process on 14th april 2010 n got open heart sugeory next day,shoud be mentioned nthat it was my 2nd (Re-do) case,my family members as will as myself were scared,but my surgeon Mr.Solat Fatmi,encouged me ,actually Mr.Fatmi is not only axpert in his field but also a good humanbeing .I released from hospitol 2 day before the spacific period of 8 days because i was improving faster than the others,after arriving home I started walking which has been increased gradually now i m walking near t 7 k.m daily regullarly, I cant miss my walking at any rate,i have imroved a lot,and there is nothing wrong i feel.

By: Jim Sempek

Jim Sempek — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:46:56 +0000

I too had aortic valve heart surgery. I am in my 7th week of rehab and am doing very well. The key to dealing with heart surgery is to remain positive that evrything will be fine and you can work your way to a better life. I am an avid fly Fisherman and a duffer when it comes to golf and I truely enjoy the game.
My heart surgery went well and the recovery is long but has a purpose. That sternum needs 12 weeks to repair itself and heal as it should. After 12 weeks so my doctor says, start with the short game. Your chest will tell you what your limitations are but most important you need to keep your way of thinking absolutely positive. I am really looking forward to being even better on the golf course once the body is ready. I do plan on some guided therapy. I even quit smoking after 55 years of it. My viens are in good shape and my heart is ready. By the way, I am a very active 72 year old living in south eastern Idaho. So with all that, don’t let the surgery get you down because you will be better…Jim

By: Mark Dickinson

Mark Dickinson — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:02:46 +0000

Can you explain Atrial Tricuspid Valve Repair or replacement. I was born with Tetralogy Of Fallot and have had a Waterston-Cooley Shunt Procedure, Aortic Stem rebuild and a porcine patch between the Atrium and ventricle. Need Pulmonary Valve replacement and a fix of the Atrial Tricuspid Valve. It will be done at U.C. San Francisco Hospital by Dr. Anthony Azakie an expert in complex congenital heart defects.

By: Cathy Morris

Cathy Morris — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:36:54 +0000

Is it just the St. Jude aortic valve that ticks so loudly? Or do other composite types do the same. I’m 2 years now and still find the ticking annoying. Good info here…I was worried that too much cardio…where your heart really gets a work out would be stressing the valve but if you guys can do marathons I guess my elyptical machine isn’t going to kill me!

By: Ron

Ron — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:40:58 +0000

Oh man, I am SO happy to have stumbled on this blog!! I am driving myself and my doctors wild wanting to get back to the gym, though still recovering (7th week) from aortic value replacement and open heart.
I’m 63 in terrific health, very active (until now) and a personal trainer as well as holding down a geek job at at one of the largest companies in CA.
There was no warning and no one picked it up that I had end game stenosis brewing until I got up from the leg press after pushing about 700# and suddenly couldn’t breathe on vacation during Thanksgiving.
Anyway, doctor just cleared me to go back to the gym on my “own recognizance” (since I’m supposed to know what I’m doing). I know I have to be careful and may not do anything that involves pushing (and involves the sternum) until month 3. Still have a little clicking at the top of the sternum, so it must be still knitting. Annoying.
Going to go back and read everything here! Thank you for starting this blog, man!!

Ron

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:10:10 +0000

Aaron. I, like you, am an active father of 2 boys and I am 39 years old. I had aortic value replacement surgery 10/27/08. I was active and in good shape prior to the procedure. I am just shy of 10 months from surgery and I am as active or more active that prior to. I went to cardiac rehab and took it as a religion ! I have always worked out, and have been back at the gym 5 days a week since the 3 month mark. I was playing softball, golf biking and swimming at 6 months, and have virtually no limitations. I went mountain biking yesterday and had not struggles.

I have a mechanical valve so I do have to avoid really really heavy lifting, but other than that I would say there are no limitations once you are healed. My life is back to normal and I am enjoying everything I did before and then some.

Hope this helps,

Best of luck to you.

Kevin